Parish Newsletter 3 December 2017
The Combined Anglican and Presbyterian Churches of Akaroa & Banks Peninsula
Sunday 3rd December – 9.30 am – St Peter’s
Advent Sunday
A warm welcome to parishioners and visitors alike. Please join us for morning tea and fellowship in St Peter’s lounge following our service this morning.
THE COLLECT
God of Hope, when Christ your Son appears may he not find us asleep or idle, but active in his service and ready. This we ask through Christ our Saviour. Amen
MIKE’S MESSAGE
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today is Advent Sunday, and in today’s gospel reading Jesus urges us to be watchful as we wait for the Second Coming of Christ. Jesus uses the image of a householder being away, and leaving his servants in-charge of the running of the house. He urges us [like the servants] to keep alert “lest he come unexpectedly and find you asleep” (Mark 13:36). The Greek word used in the gospel is “agrupneite,” which is made up of “agra” and “hypno” meaning field-sleeping. It is the type of sleeping of shepherds and hunters, who need to be constantly aware so they wake-up to any possible danger. It doesn’t mean being endlessly awake, but rather mindful of what is happening about us and of changes that may indicate that something significant is happening. Perhaps Jesus wants us to look out for what God’s Spirit is doing in the world, and to where He is wanting to lead us. God bless! Mike
COMING UP THIS WEEK
Monday 4th December
10 am Mainly Music – Trinity Hall
Wednesday 6th December
10.30 am Prayer Group – St Peter’s Lounge
11.00 am Holy Communion – St Peter’s Lounge
Thursday 7th December
4 pm CPC/Outreach Meeting – St Peter’s Lounge
Saturday 9th December
11 am Prayer Group – St John’s – Duvauchelle
Sunday 10th December
9.30 am Informal Service – Trinity
Leader: Mike
Organist: Mary F
Prayers: Janet
Sidesperson: Clive
Welcomers: Maryn & Graeme
Projection: Simon
Readers: Noel & Noelene
Morning Tea: Allison & Rachel
Readings: Isaiah 40: v1-11 Mark 1: v1-8
11.30 am Duvauchelle
COMING UP SOON
Monday 11th Dec Final Mainly Music – Trinity Hall – 10.30 am
Wednesday 13th Dec Prayer Group – St Peter’s Lounge – 10.30 am
Holy Communion – St Peter’s Lounge – 11 am
Thursday 14th Dec Vestry Meeting – Chrissy’s Place – 5pm
Vestry/Parish Council Pot Luck Dinner
Chrissy’s place – 6pm
Saturday 16th Dec Prayer Group – Duvauchelle – 11 am
Sunday 17th Dec Holy Communion – St Peter’s – 9.30 am
Community Carols – TBC – 7.30 pm
CHRISTMAS SERVICES TIMES AND PLACES
Saturday Dec 23rd
Okains – Carol Service – 5 pm
Christmas Eve
Trinity – Advent Carol Service – 9.30 am
Little Akaloa – Carol Service -5 pm
Le Bons Bay – Carol Service – 7 pm
St Peter’s – Mid-Night Mass – 11 pm
Christmas Day
Trinity – Family/Children’s’ Service – 9.30 am
Pigeon Bay – Carol Service – 10.30 am
Duvauchelle – Holy Communion – 11 am
Wainui Hall – Carol Service – 11 am
ROSTERS FOR JANUARY AND FEBRUARY SERVICES
Rachel will shortly be starting to put together the rosters for services during January and February. If you are not currently on the roster, but would be happy to help occasionally at the 9.30 am Sunday morning service at Akaroa as a welcomer, reader, sidesperson, leader of prayers, preparing morning tea, organist or data projectionist, please let her know in the next couple of weeks – tipping@xtra.co.nz or 304 892
CHRISTMAS COMMUNITY LUNCH REPORT
What a great day for all who attended. The feeling was festive, friendly and fun. Superb food and wonderful fellowship was shared. Our thanks go to all the generous locals who supported us and all the wonderful ‘Santa’s Helpers’. Special thanks to ‘Santa’s Right Hand Woman’ – you know who you are!!!
TRINITY OPENING REPORT
The reopening of Trinity was a very special day. Mike presided, assisted by Rev David Coster, and Ken gave a wonderful presentation on the journey the church has taken. Thanks were given to all who had assisted in the repairs and reconstruction and the service was followed by a fabulous lunch. A perfect way to end a perfect day.
ALPHA REPORT
Alpha ended for this year on Wednesday evening with a great turnout. Rachel and Simon were back, which was extra special and the group, who have formed strong friendships, viewed the final video, following it with lively discussion. We look forward to next year’s programme!
POMPALLIER VILLA FOR SALE
Pompallier Village Trust has a villa available now for sale. Interested, or know someone who may be? Phone Kate Clare 304 7228
IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM KATE –EMAIL ADDRESSES
Could those parishioners who have Vodafone, Paradise, Clear or Ihug as their email provider, please let Kate know your new email address at: kate.clare@outlook.com
MONTHLY GROCERY DONATIONS
Please remember your grocery donations each month. If we all contributed one item per month we would have a wonderful amount to donate to Heartlands, for those in our community in need.
PRAYER GROUPS
Akaroa Prayer Group and Communion will finish on December 13th and resume on Wednesday 7th February. Duvauchelle Prayer Group will finish on December 16th and will resume on Saturday 10th February.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
‘A world waits….’ CS Lewis
CONTACTS
Vicar – Rev Michael Baker – phone 304 7051 or padre_mike@hotmail.com
Presbyterian Contact – Ken Paulin – phone 304 7012 or paulinakaroa@xtra.co.nz
Newsletter – Chrissy Smith – phone 424 3592 or chrissyakaroa@gmail.com
Webpage – www.akaroachurches.co.nz
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